Abstract

Use of host resistance is the most effective and environmentally friendly way to control plant diseases. Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is an important arable crop in the UK. The disease phoma stem canker, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, poses an increasing threat to sustainable production of this crop. In the UK, phoma stem canker cause losses of > £100M p.a., despite use of fungicides. These losses will increase if the most effective fungicides are no longer permitted by EU legislation. Furthermore, it is predicted that global warming will continue to increase the range and severity of phoma stem canker epidemics. There is thus a challenge to produce cultivars with effective resistance in a changing climate to contribute to national food security. This project aims to decrease future risk of severe phoma stem canker on oilseed rape by developing a scheme for effective use of host resistance and by improving understanding of operation of host resistance against the pathogen to guide resistance breeding. The two types of resistance to L. maculans identified in B. napus are major resistance (R) gene mediated qualitative resistance that operates in cotyledons and leaves in autumn and quantitative resistance that operates in leaf stalk and stem tissues, after initial leaf infection until harvest in summer. R gene mediated resistance to L. maculans is single-gene race-specific resistance that is effective in protecting plants only if the corresponding avirulent allele is predominant in the local L. maculans population. R gene resistance often loses its effectiveness in 2 to 3 years after widespread use in commercial cultivars because of changes in L. maculans populations. To maintain the effectiveness of R gene resistance and decrease the risk that it will become ineffective, races in L. maculans populations in different regions will be determined. The L. maculans race information will be used to develop a scheme for deployment of cultivars with differen R genes in space and time. Previous work at Rothamsted showed that temperature influences the effectiveness of both R gene resistance and quantitative resistance against L. maculans. To identify effective resistance in oilseed rape that will operate against L. maculans in a changing climate, this project will assess effectiveness of different types of resistance in both in controlled environments and natural conditions. Cultivars with only R genes, only quantitative resistance or combinations of R gene & quantitative resistance will be tested in different environments. From the results, we can assess which R gene or which combination of resistance is more effective. This information can be used to improve breeding strategies. To understand how temperature influences the effectiveness of host resistance, this project will focus on the three R genes which show a differential response to temperature; two of them map in the same region on chromosome A10 at distinct loci. To investigate mechanisms of operation of R gene and quantitative resistance against L. maculans, sets of materials with these R genes in the same background or the same R gene in different backgrounds will be used. These materials will enable us to investigate whether the difference in temperature response between these three R genes is due to the resistance loci or host background. Results from this project will help to minimise the risk of severe epidemics on oilseed rape so that yields are maintained to contribute to national food security and avoid unnecessary fungicide use. Breeders will benefit from improved strategies for breeding cultivars with effective disease resistance. The environment will also benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions through improved disease control in oilseed rape.

Technical Summary

This project is using oilseed rape (Brassica napus)/Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker disease as a model host/pathogen system to improve understanding of operation of host resistance for effective control of plant diseases. Phoma stem canker poses an increasing threat to sustainable production of oilseed rape. This project aims to decrease future risk of severe phoma stem canker on oilseed rape to maintain yield to contribute to food security. R gene mediated resistance to L. maculans is race-specific and is often rendered ineffective in 2 to 3 years due to evolution of pathogen populations from avirulence to virulence. Seasonal/regional changes in distribution of races of L. maculans will be identified using traditional cotyledon tests or new quantitative PCR. The L. maculans race information will be used to guide regional and seasonal deployment of different R genes to maintain their effectiveness. This project will assess effectiveness of R gene resistance and quantitative resistance in natural conditions and controlled environments. Cultivars with only R genes, only quantitative resistance or combinations of R gene & quantitative resistance will be used to investigate which R gene or which combination of resistance is more consistently effective in different environments. This will guide breeders to produce cultivars with resistance effective in a changing environment. Three R genes show a differential response to temperature; two of them map in the same region at distinct loci on chromosome A10. This project will focus on these R genes and use temperature as a means to understand operation of B. napus resistance to L. maculans. To investigate whether the difference in temperature response between these R genes is due to the resistance loci or host background, by collaboration with China and Canada, sets of materials with these R genes in the same background or the same R gene in different backgrounds will be tested at different temperatures.

Planned Impact

This project is directly relevant to the BBSRC Strategic Research Priority 1, Food Security, outlined in the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. Oilseed rape is an important arable crop in the UK. The greatest current threat to sustainable production of this crop is the disease phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria maculans. This project will benefit the agricultural industry by decreasing future risk of severe phoma stem canker through improved understanding of resistance to L. maculans. A major beneficiary of the project will be plant breeders. The project will investigate effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on stability of different types of resistance (e.g. R gene mediated resistance and quantitative resistance) to L. maculans which will provide breeders with information for selection of pre-breeding material and guide their breeding strategies for development of suitable cultivars for different environments. In addition, this project will develop molecular markers for specific resistance loci that can be used by breeders in marker-assisted breeding programmes. This project will produce information on regional distribution of L. maculans races which will help breeders to develop cultivars for target regions. Another major beneficiary of the project will be growers. This project will improve understanding of operation of host resistance and knowledge about current L. maculans races to develop a scheme for deployment of cultivars with different combinations of R genes and background quantitative resistance, so that growers can choose suitable cultivars and avoid unnecessary fungicide use, especially if recent EU legislation leads to a decrease in fungicide types available. Furthermore, it is predicted that global warming will continue to increase the UK range and severity of phoma stem canker epidemics. This project will help growers to use resistance more effective for more sustainable and profitable control of phoma stem canker in oilseed rape. Agricultural advisors will benefit from this project by using the results to make recommendations on effective use of host resistance. HGCA will benefit by using the results to decrease costs of Recommended List trials. Policy-makers will benefit by using the results to guide forward planning as part of strategies to achieve the government climate change mitigation target for UK agriculture (Food 2030, Jan 2010) by reducing its carbon foot-print through improved disease control. Ultimately the public and environment will benefit from reduced fungicide use through improved guidance on selection and deployment of host resistance. Furthermore, improved resistance for efficient disease control in oilseed rape crops will increase yield, which will contribute to national food security. Since phoma stem canker is not only a major disease problem on oilseed rape in the UK but also a global disease on oilseed rape and brassica vegetables, results from this project will also contribute to international food security. The involvement of wide range of partners in this LINK project will ensure that outcomes of this research are exploited directly to translate scientific outputs into practical improvements to current disease management strategies. Well-established web-based communication methods will disseminate the research results quickly to the scientific communities (e.g. Leptosphaeria Research Community and Brassica Research Community). This project will produce new host materials with different resistance genes in the same background or the same resistance gene in different backgrounds. These materials will be ideal for further detailed investigation of mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions under different environment conditions. Therefore, this project will benefit scientific communities by improving our understanding of host resistance.

Short-term benefits to farmersTo guide regional deployment of oilseed rape cultivars with different resistance genes, there is a need to monitor regional populations of Leptosphaeria maculans, especially in relation to virulence at the AvrLm1, AvrLm4 (populations currently differ between regions) and Avrlm7 (to decrease risk of breakdown of Rlm7 cultivar resistance) loci. It is recommended that AHDB deploys a set of spore samplers at some of sites of Recommended List winter oilseed rape trials in different regions to monitor races present in Leptosphaeria maculans populations each growing season to detect frequencies of virulent isolates by using PCR of samples of air-borne spores. Such information could then be made available to farmers on the AHDB web-site to guide their choice of cultivars for the next growing season.

There is a need to develop a web-based scheme for guiding regional deployment of winter oilseed rape cultivars with different types of resistance. There is a need to continue monitoring ascospore release to provide better guidance for timing of fungicide applications. This evidence suggests that deployment of a small number of spore samplers (for example at sites of a few AHDB Recommended List trials) would be sufficient to provide such guidance. It is likely that a new generation of spore samplers will be developed that can provide 'real time' information about the timing of release of specific spores but even if it is necessary to send weekly tapes to a laboratory for quantitative PCR analysis, results could improve the accuracy of guidance for spray timing

Exploitation Route

Long-term benefits to farmersWhilst some recommendations could be implemented quite quickly to decrease the risk of phoma stem canker for UK farmers, others are more long-term, since they need to be implemented by oilseed rape breeders in the breeding of new cultivars for use by farmers in the future.

R gene-mediated resistance should always be combined with quantitative resistance to improve its effectiveness in different environments. To provide farmers with cultivars that have effective resistance against the stem canker pathogen at different locations and in different growing seasons, it is essential that R gene-mediated resistance is incorporated into backgrounds with good quantitative resistance that is environmentally stable.

Relationships between temperature-resilience and effectiveness of resistance should be investigated. If factors that influence the effectiveness of resistance (differences between R genes; background quantitative resistance) are associated with the temperature-resilience of that resistance, then breeders could screen potential cultivars/lines for temperature-resilient resistance as a means of selecting for effective resistance. This would save time and expense by comparison with field experiments at multiple locations over several seasons that are currently used to select for effective, environmentally stable resistance. Such screening could be used in initial selection stages, although the best material would then need to be tested in field experiments.

There is a need to understand interactions between the two pathogens (Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa) and cultivar R gene-mediated resistance/quantitative resistance to identify cultivars with resistance against both pathogens. Furthermore, although L. maculans is generally regarded as a more damaging pathogen than L. biglobosa, there is evidence that L. biglobosa was that dominant pathogen, responsible for severe stem base and upper stem lesions in the 2011/2012 growing season. There is a need for further work to understand interactions between the two pathogens (Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa) and cultivar R gene-mediated resistance/quantitative resistance to identify cultivars with resistance against both pathogens.

There is a need to exploit new genomic information and genetic resources to improve our understanding of the operation of resistance against Leptosphaeria species and other extracellular pathogens. There are now unprecedented opportunities to exploit this novel genomic information through bioinformatics and biocomputational methods, together with the new host materials that have become available to improve our understanding of resistance against the phoma stem canker pathogens. This new understanding can be exploited by breeders to develop new cultivars with more effective, durable, temperature-resilient resistance for the benefit of farmers and the whole agricultural industry in the UK.

Sectors

Agriculture, Food and Drink

Description

New understanding about resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens is being exploited by breeder members of the consortium

First Year Of Impact

2015

Sector

Agriculture, Food and Drink

Impact Types

Economic

Description

Influence on Chinese government policy in relation to import of oilseed rape seed from other countries

In response to our work, in November 2009 the Chinese government issued a quarantine measure restricting import of oilseed rape seed to ports in regions without the crop, unless seed was certified free from the pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans. This pathogen causes phoma stem canker, a serious disease of oilseed rape. The Chinese decision to protect its crops from this invasive species affected trade with Canada and Australia, and thus to intergovernmental discussions. Our recommendations to prevent entry of the pathogen that have been implemented by China include testing imported seed, surveying crops and training farmers to recognise disease symptoms.Subsequently, recommendations about the risks of crop debris (dockage) in seed cargoes has resulted in discussions between China and Canada, resulting in a high level agreement witnessed by the two prime ministers.

Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.

Collaborator Contribution

Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable.
the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.

Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.

Collaborator Contribution

Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable.
the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.

Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.

Collaborator Contribution

Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable.
the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.

Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.

Collaborator Contribution

Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable.
the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.

Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.

Collaborator Contribution

Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable.
the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.

Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.

Collaborator Contribution

Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable.
the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.

Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.

Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.

Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.

Improved understanding of mechanisms of crop resistance against apoplastic pathogens

Collaborator Contribution

Prof Pierre de Wit from the University of Wageningen contributed to the initiation of the research and writing up the research paper.

Impact

Publication of an opinion article. Stotz HU, Mitrousia GK, de Wit, PJGM, Fitt BDL (2014). Effector-triggered defence against apoplastic fungal pathogens. Trends in Plant Science 19, 491-500. Presentation of the work at international conferences: 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece; the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland

Start Year

2013

Description

Prevent spread of Leptoshphaeria maculans into China

Organisation

Alberta Innovates Technology Futures

Country

Canada

Sector

Private

PI Contribution

Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.

Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.

Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.

Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.

Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.

Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.

Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.

Improved understanding of quantitative resistance of oilseed rape operating against Leptosphaeria maculans by using doubled haploid lines with different levels of resistance

Collaborator Contribution

Dr Regine Delourmem at INRA- Rennes in France, provided doubled haploid lines produced in her group for use in the BBSRC IPA and BBSRC LINK projects.

Impact

Two research papers using their materials were published: PloS One, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; Plant Pathology 58: 314-323.

Start Year

2006

Description

R gene-mediated resistance against L. maculans

Organisation

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Country

Canada

Sector

Public

PI Contribution

Understanding effects of background quantitative on stability of R gene-mediated resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans by using the near isogenic lines produced in Canada

Collaborator Contribution

A team at Saskatoon Agriculture and Agri-Food Research Centre, led by Dr Hossein Borhan, have produced near isogenic lines for different R genes; they provided their near isogenic lines for study in a BBSRC LINK project.

Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape

Organisation

Grainseed

Country

United Kingdom

Sector

Private

PI Contribution

Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings

Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape

Organisation

Hutchinson H L Ltd

Country

United Kingdom

Sector

Private

PI Contribution

Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings

Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape

Organisation

LS Plant Breeding

Country

United Kingdom

Sector

Private

PI Contribution

Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings

Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape

Organisation

Limagrain

Country

France

Sector

Private

PI Contribution

Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings

Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape

Organisation

Monsanto

Department

Monsanto

Country

United Kingdom

Sector

Private

PI Contribution

Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings

Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape

Organisation

Woodhall Estate

Country

United Kingdom

Sector

Private

PI Contribution

Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.

Collaborator Contribution

Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings

Our research team has provided the Principal Supervisor and Second Supervisors for this Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange PhD project . The student (James Fortune) has spent the first year based with ADAS at Boxworth and is now spending the remaining three years doing his PhD at the University of Hertfordshire.

Collaborator Contribution

The industry partner RSK ADAS supervised the work done by the student (supervisor Dr Faye Ritchie) and regularly attend project meetings to assess progress of the project. The two agricultural charities have provided funding for the project and attend meetings from time to time.

Impact

The student James Fortune has presented work done in this project at several scientific conferences, both in the UK (eg British Society of Plant Pathology conference, Sept 2019) and overseas (International Society of PLant Pathology Congress, Boston, USA, July 2018). His work is also featuring in a book to be published to celebrate the centenary of the Chadacre Agricultural Trust.

Our research team has provided the Principal Supervisor and Second Supervisors for this Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange PhD project . The student (James Fortune) has spent the first year based with ADAS at Boxworth and is now spending the remaining three years doing his PhD at the University of Hertfordshire.

Collaborator Contribution

The industry partner RSK ADAS supervised the work done by the student (supervisor Dr Faye Ritchie) and regularly attend project meetings to assess progress of the project. The two agricultural charities have provided funding for the project and attend meetings from time to time.

Impact

The student James Fortune has presented work done in this project at several scientific conferences, both in the UK (eg British Society of Plant Pathology conference, Sept 2019) and overseas (International Society of PLant Pathology Congress, Boston, USA, July 2018). His work is also featuring in a book to be published to celebrate the centenary of the Chadacre Agricultural Trust.

Our research team has provided the Principal Supervisor and Second Supervisors for this Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange PhD project . The student (James Fortune) has spent the first year based with ADAS at Boxworth and is now spending the remaining three years doing his PhD at the University of Hertfordshire.

Collaborator Contribution

The industry partner RSK ADAS supervised the work done by the student (supervisor Dr Faye Ritchie) and regularly attend project meetings to assess progress of the project. The two agricultural charities have provided funding for the project and attend meetings from time to time.

Impact

The student James Fortune has presented work done in this project at several scientific conferences, both in the UK (eg British Society of Plant Pathology conference, Sept 2019) and overseas (International Society of PLant Pathology Congress, Boston, USA, July 2018). His work is also featuring in a book to be published to celebrate the centenary of the Chadacre Agricultural Trust.

Start Year

2017

Description

Coordination of UK Government 2015 spending for work on animal and plant diseases

Form Of Engagement Activity

A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue

Part Of Official Scheme?

Yes

Geographic Reach

National

Primary Audience

Policymakers/politicians

Results and Impact

This was an advisory panel aimed at a coordinated bid to Treasury for work on plant and animal diseases across Government departments in the 2015 Government spending round. Intended to brief civil servants and government ministers across different government departments. Produced document for coordination of funding bids across government departments.

After the meeting, impacts of research on control of plant and animal diseases will be discussed in 2015 government spending round.

The BSPP presidential meeting was attended by a group of staff/students from the University of Hertfordshire. The event provided an opportunity to present our work as oral presentations and posters. It also gave opportunities to interact with collaborators.

Presentation of research at University of Hertfordshire stand at Cereals' 2015, an event attended by thousands of farmers and members of the agricultural industry, as well as politicians, press etc

Year(s) Of Engagement Activity

2015

Description

GCIRC 15th International Rapeseed Congress, Berlin, June 2019

Form Of Engagement Activity

A talk or presentation

Part Of Official Scheme?

No

Geographic Reach

International

Primary Audience

Professional Practitioners

Results and Impact

A group of staff/post-graduate students from the University of Hertfordshire attended this Congress and accompanying workshops. Our work was presented as oral presentations and posters. There were opportunities to interact with collaborators from around the world. I was part of the International Organising Committee and am a UK representative on GCIRC Council.

Participated in University of Hertfordshire stand at Cereals' 2018, June 13-14 2018. Event attended by 1000s of farmers and other members of the agricultural industry, mostly from the UK but some from overseas

Oral and poster presentations about our research on control of oilseed rape diseases increased the awareness of colleagues and students in the school about the importance of disease control and food security.

After the talk, contacted by undergratuate and MSc studens to do their projects in our group and cosider a career in Plant Pathology.

Year(s) Of Engagement Activity

2013

Description

press release on HGCA Agronomist conference

Form Of Engagement Activity

A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview

Part Of Official Scheme?

Yes

Geographic Reach

National

Primary Audience

Media (as a channel to the public)

Results and Impact

The talk increased the awareness of the risk of breakdown of important of resistance genes for control of phoma stem canker

After the talk, we have been contacted by interested parties (e.g. breeding companies) to be involved in further research.